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Wednesday 3 April 2024

Celebrate National Pet Day on April 11th!

As the days grow longer and the air warmer, there's a special occasion just around the corner that promises to bring joy to pet owners and animal lovers alike,National Pet Day! 

Mark your calendars for April 11th, a day dedicated to celebrating the wonderful companionship, unconditional love, and sheer delight our furry, feathered, and scaly friends bring into our lives.

In the United Kingdom, where pets are cherished members of countless households, National Pet Day holds a significant place in the hearts of many. Whether you're the proud owner of a loyal canine, a mischievous feline, a chirpy bird, or even an exotic reptile, this day serves as a reminder to honour and appreciate the special bond we share with our animal companions.

The beauty of National Pet Day lies in its simplicity. It's not just about pampering our pets with treats and toys (although they undoubtedly appreciate those too!), but it's also about recognising the profound impact they have on our well-being. Studies have shown that owning a pet can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and increase feelings of happiness and contentment. They're not just animals; they're therapeutic companions that offer unwavering support and companionship.

So, how can you celebrate National Pet Day in style? Here are a few ideas to get you started:

1. Spoil Them Rotten: Treat your furry friend to a special outing, whether it's a leisurely stroll in the park, a visit to the pet store for some new toys, or even a pampering session at the groomers. After all, they deserve to be spoiled every once in a while!

2. Capture Memories: Take the opportunity to capture some precious memories with your pet. Whether it's a photoshoot in the garden or a fun-filled play session, immortalise these moments so you can cherish them for years to come.

3. Donate or Volunteer: National Pet Day is also a time to remember the less fortunate animals in shelters. Consider donating supplies, volunteering your time at a local shelter, or even fostering a pet in need. Your kindness could make all the difference in an animal's life.

4. Spread Awareness: Use the power of social media to raise awareness about responsible pet ownership and animal welfare. Share photos and stories of your own beloved pets, and encourage others to do the same. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of animals everywhere.

5. Bonding Time: Lastly, simply spend quality time with your pet. Whether it's curling up on the sofa together, playing their favourite game, or just enjoying each other's company, there's no better way to celebrate the special bond you share.

National Pet Day is a time to honour the unique connection we have with our animal companions and to reflect on the joy and love they bring into our lives each and every day. So, on April 11th, let's come together to celebrate our furry, feathered, and scaly friends – because when it comes to pets, every day is a reason to celebrate!

The Works (my favourite bookshop) has compiled the top 10 best loved fictional pets and companions which are are: (https://www.theworks.co.uk/c/books/childrens-books)

Rank

Fictional Pet/Companion

First appearance

1

Winnie the Pooh

1924 (When We Were Very Young by A.A. Milne (as Edward Bear, Winnie-the-Pooh released two years later)

2

Pikachu

1996 (Pokemon Red and Blue)

3

Scooby-Doo

1969 (Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! TV series)

4

Garfield

1978 (Garfield comic strip by Jim Davis)

5

Peter Rabbit

1902 (The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter)

6

Paddington Bear

1958 (A Bear Called Paddington by Michael Bond)

7

Curious George

1939 (Cecily G. and the Nine Monkeys by Hans Augusto Rey, Margret Reg and Alan J. Shalleck)

8

Stuart Little

1945 (Stuart Little by E.B. White)

9

Snoopy

1950 (Peanuts comic strip by Charles M. Schulz)

10

Lady

1955 (Lady and the Tramp, Walt Disney movie)